Your tour will commence in Portugal’s capital city LISBON where you will see an amazing combination of ancient and modern sights. Razed to the ground by the earthquake of 1755 the city centre is mostly 18th Century. Lisbon is situated at the mouth of the RIVER TEJO and is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a rich cultural life depicted by its national museum and art galleries.

Here you will stay for three nights at the Tivoli Hotel, Lisboa, an ideal base for city sightseeing. While in the capital you will visit both old and modern areas of the city including the magnificent JERONIMUS MONASTERY. An excursion will be taken to the nearby historic mountain town of SINTRA where the architecture is superb and lunch on this day will be taken at the famous ‘Lawrences Restaurant’ where Lord Byron and William Beckford ate and stayed on many occasions.

OBIDOS is an incredibly picturesque 14th century classic walled settlement with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs. Walking the ramparts you will enjoy stunning views over the surrounding countryside. You will also visit ALCOBAÇA dominated by its 12th Century abbey and BATALHA with its stunning monastery built in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Leaving Lisbon your journey will take you inland to the tranquil area of ALENTEJO where vast rolling plains of wheat and olive trees mingle with whitewashed villages and castles.

Located in the heart of this beautiful area of Portugal you will stay in the ancient walled city of EVORA for one night at Hotel Mar D’ar Muralhas. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was formerly home to the Portuguese kings. As you gently stroll through Evora’s narrow streets you will experience the special atmosphere of this enchanting medieval city.

Travelling northwards via the small town of TOMAR you will arrive at the natural Woodland Reserve of BUÇACO. First settled by Benedictine monks, the reserve is now the site of the very unique Palace Hotel, Bucaco, and you will stay here for two nights. This hotel is housed in an extravagant palace built by Portugal’s second last king. A visit will be made to Portugal’s third largest city COIMBRA. Full of charm and rich in history Coimbra has one of the oldest Universities in the world, founded in 1290.

On your journey to PORTO (OPORTO) you will stop at the town of AVEIRO with its impressive maritime heritage depicted by the many distinctive, colourful ‘Moliceiro’ boats that sail on its lagoon.In Porto you will stay for four nights at the Tiara Park Atlantic Hotel.

Situated at the mouth of the DOURO RIVER, Porto’s old city is full of character and culture. Full sightseeing of the city will be included and you will have the opportunity of joining a traditional ‘Rabelo Boat’ cruise.

The DOURO VALLEY is the famous birthplace of Port Wine and is now also highly recognised for its distinctive table wines. The valley is spectacular with hills covered with terraces of vines falling steeply down to the river banks. The Douro River originates in Spain and flows west in the north of Portugal until it reaches the ocean at Porto. You will travel by train through the breathtaking natural beauty of the valley from Porto to PESO DA RUGUA and then on your return you will take a boat trip peacefully along the Douro River.

To conclude your tour a day trip will be taken to the MINHO area and to two of Portugal’s most historic cities. BRAGA the country’s most important religious centre with impressive churches and grand 18th Century houses and the attractive town of GUIMARÃES where you will stroll leisurely through the narrow medieval streets.

On your final evening we have included a visit to the famous wine cellar of Grahams where you will have a Port tasting and farewell dinner.